Encountering the Old Testament, 3rd Edition

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Chapter

15. First Kings: The Glory of Solomon and the Beginning of the End

Many Christians feel that when something bad happens to them, they are being punished for something they have done. Is it correct to assume a theology of retribution today?
What would be comparable in the Christian community today to the influences of Canaanite Baalism? How should we ensure faithfulness to God today?
What were some of Solomon’s weaknesses that we can learn from today?
What were the problems associated with the divided kingdom?
What do we have today that would be comparable to the true and false prophets?

Divide the class into pairs. Have each pair of students find texts that give examples of Solomon’s wisdom. End this with a class discussion of wisdom with input for their findings. Class time allowed: 25 minutes.